Pumpkin Bisque Recipe: How to Make Pumpkin Bisque

Pumpkin bisque is a puréed soup made from pumpkin cooked with aromatic herbs and vegetables, finished with a touch of cream. Herbs and vegetables balance the sweetness of the winter squash to create a savory and satisfying blend of flavors.

Pumpkin bisque is a type of pumpkin soup. Pumpkin soup can be brothy, silky, or stew-like. Cooks typically purée pumpkin bisque until smooth, as opposed to making it brothy or chunky. Bisque often makes use of seafood, but it can also include vegetables like pumpkin, tomato, or mushroom. The addition of cream is the key to making a proper French-style bisque.

Boost the flavor and texture of your bisque with these easy variations.

1. 1. Curry pumpkin bisque: Add curry powder to the base of aromatic vegetables, and purée with full-fat coconut milk instead of cream for this dairy-free, spiced variation.
2. 2. Ginger pumpkin bisque: A few knobs of fresh ginger grated into the soup add a pop of flavor and nutrients to this simple soup.
3. 3. Red lentil pumpkin bisque: To thicken pumpkin bisque without cream, cook a cup of red lentils alongside the pumpkin until the lentils start falling apart. Once puréed, the starch from the lentils will thicken the soup and add a bit of protein to the dish.
4. 4. Mixed squash bisque: If sugar pumpkins are hard to find, butternut squash or other winter varieties such as kabocha squash will work well instead. A blend of different winter squashes will add complexity in flavor and texture.

Here’s how to make the silkiest pumpkin bisque at home.

1. 1. Cook fresh pumpkin. When in season, pumpkins are sweet and starchy, and their bright orange flesh is full of nutrients. Canned pumpkin purée works well for pumpkin pies and other baked goods, but fresh pumpkin has more flavor and a higher starch content, which works best for soups and other savory dishes.
2. 2. Use an immersion blender. Blending hot soup in batches can be tricky. An immersion blender makes puréeing a breeze and saves time on cleanup. Immersion blenders aerate the soup while puréeing for the silkiest finish.
3. 3. Add crunchy toppings. Pumpkin bisque pairs well with crunchy garnishes such as croutons, toasted nuts, crispy bacon, roasted pumpkin seeds, and even pomegranate arils. Serve a variety of garnishes alongside the soup so your guests can each customize their bowl.
4. 4. Save the seeds. Pumpkin seeds are full of flavor and nutrition. Wash and drain seeds thoroughly, drizzle with olive oil, salt, and seasonings such as cinnamon, cayenne pepper, or cumin, and roast on a baking sheet at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until crispy, about 20 minutes, for a zero-waste garnish or protein-filled snack.